Woman who allegedly stole from mother turns herself in

Update: A St. Johns County couple turned themselves in early Tuesday afternoon on charges of exploitation of the elderly or disabled and organized scheming to defraud.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is searching for a woman who allegedly stole her mother's life savings with the help of her husband.

Teresa E. Oakes, 54, and Robert E. Oakes Jr., 55, are accused of stealing over $282,000 along with another $150,000 of property value from Teresa's mother since July 2008.

The suspects allegedly convinced Teresa's mother and father to cash out all of their investments between 2009 and 2013 and entrust the funds with them. But, the suspects were depositing the funds in their personal bank accounts, according to SJCSO.

Following the death of the victim's husband, the victim told the suspects that she wanted to do her own banking. The suspects refused, according to SJSO, and served the victim with an eviction notice from the property. The victim then learned she was left with no savings and only $115 in her checking account.

The couple is now being sought on charges of exploitation of the elderly or disabled and organized scheming to defraud. The suspects haven't been seen since their vacation ended last week.

Robert E. Oakes Jr., 55.(Photo: SJCSO)

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